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Druss, R.G. (1978). Cryptorchism and Body Image: The Psychoanalysis of a Case. J. Amer. Psychoanal. Assn., 26:69-85.

(1978). Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association, 26:69-85

Cryptorchism and Body Image: The Psychoanalysis of a Case

Richard G. Druss, M.D.


A description of the case of a young man with cryptorchism who underwent corrective orchiopexy during the course of a psychoanalysis has been presented. The changes that occurred after surgery have been described. The multidetermined motivations for the patient's stopping the analysis unilaterally and prematurely have been explored. This case serves to indicate the importance of the testes, not only as part of an intact male genital apparatus, but as organs located on the body surface at the critical interface between the self and the outside world. A comparison was made between corrective orchiopexy and similar surgical procedures, such as augmentation mammoplasty and ileostomy, where profound changes in body image have been the consequence.


